Disney

See that smile. That's one of a kid who knows little to nothing about Disney and whose parents said they weren't ever going to take him. However, as life goes, anytime you say never, you end up doing it. This February on a trip down to Florida to see Gigi and Lulu, we got treated to a few days in Disney World with Auntie Crystal. Now, Rye, clueless as he was, saw the welcome signs for Disney and he just got silly happy seeing them, not thinking it was more than the signs with Mickey and Minnie. He had no idea what was in store. He didn't know there was a Magic Kingdom, an Animal Kingdom and tons of characters and rides for him to explore. Needless to say, it proved a bit overwhelming, but after the first bit of intrepidation, he got the groove on.

"Holy shit," I think that's the adult equivalent of what he's saying. Rye's first sighting of the palace from across the lake.

Silent awe in the riverboat approach. He's spotted the steam engine train at the main gate.
Plans are being made.

Still starstruck with Auntie.

It's a small world after all. He really did love this one, floating on a boat, singing a song that he can memorize for life by the end of the ride, all the colors, all the dancing girls.

Waiting at the train station. Choo-chooo...

Getting in to all sorts of wild boy play on Tom Sawyer Island.

Auntie and Mama having a big time.

Pleased to meet you Pooh.

Want some chicken Eyore? I know you're hungry and sad. This will make you feel good.

Big 4th birthday celebration, chocolate cake and disney sing along. Happy boy.

Rye picked this little sweetie up waiting in line to ride the high-flying rockets in tomorrowland. They even went for a dance, and he did try to find out where she was staying.

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom here we come!!

Taking in the enormous tree of life.

Digging for dinosaur bones. Could have stayed for hours with his exceptional digging skills. He put all the other paleontologists to shame.

Parade watching, pulling out all sorts of joy from the boy.

An amazing, rocking, body-grooving drum performance by the rye guy.

We couldn't believe it, but Rye got selected to be in the Lion King performance. He braved the big crowd with their eyes upon him, and danced in the parade with all the animal performers. I'm not sure if he'll do it again. He says the lady in yellow was real nice though.

A family photo, the evening prior to the spiral downfall of Disney. Way too much hugging, kissing, licking and whatever between the sick and well masses at Disney, led to a horrible plague that hit us all the next morning and put a quick end to our silly, happy adventures.

The aftermath....

A few days later, still sick, but in between shots of ibuprofen, getting in some semblance of swinging. And yes, mama and auntie, were heavily drugged up as well. All we can say, when you go to Disney, don't forget the hand sanitizer! And yes, no licking the handrails, no matter how tempting.